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Review Summary

Universal's Technicolor cameras this time tell the story of Harun El Raschid (Rock Hudson), who innocently comes into possession of the magical Sword of Damascus. Sword in hand, our hero gains entrance to the court, tames the haughty, but socially aware, Princess Khairuzan (Piper Laurie) and finds himself in the middle of a palace revolution. The evil Vizier Jafar (George Macready), may be able to trick the Caliph (Edgar Barrier) into letting the princess marry his boorish son Hadi (Gene Evans), but he cannot remove the magic sword from its resting place in the palace wall. Up steps Harun, who performs the task, King Arthur-style, a feat which brings him both the princess and half the Caliphate. The Golden Blade was filmed entirely on the Universal back lot. Watch for future stars Dennis Weaver and Guy Williams among the Baghdad populace. ~ Hans J. Wollstein, Rovi